Peterson case is now homicide investigation

Modesto police said Wednesday the Laci Peterson case has evolved into a homicide investigation.

Also, a $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to finding her body. Soon after the 27-year-old Modesto woman was reported missing on Dec. 24, a $500,000 reward was offered for information leading to her safe recovery. Peterson was eight months pregnant when her stepfather reported her missing Christmas Eve.

"As the investigation has progressed we have increasingly come to believe that Laci Peterson is the victim of a violent crime," Detective Craig Grogan said. "This investigation began as a missing person case and we all were hopeful that Laci would return home safely. However, we have come to consider this a homicide case."

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